Divisible Carton Package

ABSTRACT

The present application provides a divisible carton package for use with a number of products. The divisible carton package may include a first independent carton with a first dispensing section and a second independent carton with a second dispensing section. The first independent carton and the second independent carton are connected by a tearable hinge such that the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section face each other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to a carton and more particularly relate to a divisible carton package formed by a number of independent cartons connected by a tearable hinge so as to provide greater product diversity while using existing manufacturing, packaging, and distribution techniques for reduced costs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of cartons are known for enclosing different types of products such as cans, bottles, and other objects for transport, sale, and use. Generally described, one popular type of carton has a two by six (2×6) product configuration, with two (2) product columns in width and six (6) product rows in length. One end of the carton may be scored so as to permit the removal of a dispensing section. Once the dispensing section is opened and/or removed, a consumer may grasp within the carton and remove the products therein. Although other configurations may be known, the design of two (2) product columns and six (6) product rows with a removable dispensing section promotes the use of the carton within a conventional refrigerator shelf and the like.

Although a carton with a two by six (2×6) product configuration is popular, carton variations may be proposed so as to enable increased consumer choice. The attributes of a proposed carton variation, however, may be weighed against the limitations of existing supply chain requirements so as to ensure the efficient production, transport, and use of the proposed carton variation without significant interruptions or added expense.

There is thus a desire for an improved carton design that further promotes increased carton variations while being adaptable to existing manufacturing, packaging, and distribution requirements. Such an improved carton may conveniently transport and store the products therein while providing ease of access thereto when used in a conventional refrigerator and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application and the resultant patent thus provide a divisible carton package for use with a number of products. The divisible carton package may include a first independent carton with a first dispensing section and a second independent carton with a second dispensing section. The first independent carton and the second independent carton are connected by a tearable hinge such that the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section face each other.

The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method of transporting a number of products. The method may include the steps of erecting a first independent carton and a second independent carton connected by a tearable hinge, filling the first independent carton and the second independent carton with the number of products in a side by side configuration, transporting the first independent carton and the second independent carton connected by the tearable hinge to a retail outlet in the side by side configuration, and separating the first independent carton and the second independent carton at the retail outlet.

These and other features and advantages of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a divisible carton package as may be described herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two independent cartons of the divisible carton package of FIG. 1 being rotated about a tearable hinge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two separated independent cartons of the divisible carton package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank that may be used to create a further embodiment of a divisible carton package as may be described herein.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of two independent cartons of a divisible carton package that may be created from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the independent cartons of the divisible carton package that may be formed from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the independent cartons of the divisible carton package that may be formed from the blank of FIG. 4 with a dispensing section removed.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank of a further alternative embodiment of a divisible carton package as may be described herein.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank of a further alternative embodiment of a divisible carton package as may be described herein.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of an independent carton of a divisible carton package as may be described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application relates to the packaging and dispensing of a number of objects 10. The objects 10 may be cans, bottles, or other types of goods. In this example, the objects 10 may be a number of conventional beverage cans 20. The cans 20, however, may have any size, shape, or configuration. The cans 20 may include a liquid, a flowable solid, a gas, and/or combinations thereof. For example, the cans 20 may include any type of beverage therein. Other types of substances may be enclosed therein.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a divisible carton package 100 as may be described herein. The divisible carton package 100 may include any number of the objects 10 therein. In describing the divisible carton package 100, the terms “bottom,” “top,” “side,” “end,” “first,” “second,” and the like are used for purposes of relative orientation only and not as absolute positions. For example, any surface of the divisible carton package 100 may be used as the bottom or the top as oriented by a user. Further, the terms “length,” “width,” “height,” and the like also refer to relative orientations. Similarly, the term “carton,” is meant to encompass “containers,” “boxes,” and any other type of enclosure.

The divisible carton package 100 may be made out of cardboard, paperboard, corrugated board, and other types of foldable sheet materials. Various types of polymers and laminates also may be used. Specifically, the divisible carton package 100 may be made out of coated, unbleached paperboard. The paperboard may be recyclable. Other types of materials may be used herein. The divisible carton package 100 may have any suitable overall size and shape. Any suitable type of graphics, messaging, or other types of indicia may be printed or otherwise applied to the divisible carton package 100. The divisible carton package 100 may be constructed from a die cut blank as will be described in more detail below.

The divisible carton package 100 may include a number of independent cartons 110. In this example, a first independent carton 120 and a second independent carton 130 are shown. The independent cartons 120, 130 may be connected by a tearable hinge 140 as will be described in more detail below. The tearable hinge 140 may be a tear line and the like formed by a number of perforations. Each independent carton 110 may include a top wall 150, a bottom wall 160, a first sidewall 170, a second sidewall 180, a first end wall 190, and a second end wall 200. Each independent carton 110 may have the same or a different size, shape, or configuration. Each of the independent cartons 110 may have the same or different objects 10 therein.

In this example, each independent carton 110 of the overall divisible carton package 100 may have a one by six (1×6) product configuration 210. Although the one by six (1×6) product configuration is shown, any type of one by “X” (1×X) product configuration may be used herein with “X” being any number. By using the one by six (1×6) product configuration 210 for each of the independent cartons 110, the divisible carton package 100 may have substantially the same overall product configuration as a conventional carton with the two by six (2×6) product configuration as described above.

Significantly, the cans 20 may be loaded into each of the independent cartons 110 with the one by six (1×6) product configuration in a side by side configuration by the existing filling lines currently used for the conventional two by six (2×6) cartons with little to no downtime. Likewise, conventional palletization and distribution techniques also may be used herein given the similar overall product configuration.

Moreover, other multiples such as a two by “X” (2×X) product configuration also may be used. Such a two by six (2×6) product configuration for each independent carton 110 thus would provide the divisible carton package 100 with substantially the same product configuration as a conventional carton with a four by six (4×6) product configuration. Moreover, each of the independent cartons 110 also may have different configurations. For example, the first independent carton 120 may have a one by six (1×6) product configuration while the second independent carton 130 may have a three by six (3×6) product configuration. Given such, existing filling, palletization, and distribution techniques and devices may be used herein at no additional cost.

As will be described in more detail below, the divisible carton package 100 may be formed from a single blank. The blank may be folded into the divisible carton package 100 with the independent cartons 110 attached at the tearable hinge 140 and with or without an adhesive 145 positioned along the sidewalls 170, 180. The adhesive may be a releasable adhesive. The adhesive 145 may be applied in any manner any orientation. Other types of attachment means may be used herein with any of the touching walls to keep the divisible carton package 100 intact. As will be described in more detail below, the independent cartons 110 may be oriented with the dispensing features facing each other during filling and transport so as to limit the potential for ripping or other damage thereto.

After filling as described above, the divisible carton package 100 may be transported to a retail outlet in a conventional manner. At the retail outlet or elsewhere, the purveyor may separate the independent cartons 110 as is shown in FIG. 2. The first carton 120 may be grasped and the second carton 130 may be rotated to release the adhesive and then to separate the second carton 130 by tearing along the tearable hinge 140 or otherwise separating the independent cartons 120, 130. The independent cartons 120, 130 then may be sold separately. Other or different method steps may be used herein in any order and at any time.

FIG. 4 shows a blank 250 that may be used to create a further example of a divisible carton package 260. The blank 250 may have a number of “fold” lines and/or “tear” lines formed therein. The terms “fold line” or “hinge” and the like refer to lines that define the hinge features that facilitate folding portions of the blank 250. The terms may refer to any type of weakened line that facilitates folding the material along the length of the line. The term “tear line” may refer to lines that facilitate separating portions of the material from one another. Fold lines, tear lines, and the like include elements that are formed in the material of the blank, including perforations, slits, scores, cuts, and any combination thereof. The elements may be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations may be dimensioned or designed with differing degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a tear line. The lines of perforations also may be designed to facilitate holding and to resist breaking, to facilitate folding and to facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort. Other types of lines may be used herein.

Generally described, the blank 250 may have a number of panels and flaps separated by the fold lines and/or tear lines. The blank 250 may have a first blank half 270 that may be used to construct a first independent carton 280 and a second blank half 290 that may be used to construct a second independent carton 300. The halves 270, 290 may be connected by a tearable hinge 310. The tearable hinge 310 may be a hinge tear line 320 and the like. Although the halves 270, 290 are shown as being identical, differing sizes, shapes, and configurations may be used herein. For example, the blank 250 may be intended for a first independent carton 120 with a one by six (1×6) product configuration and a second independent carton 130 with a three by six (3×6) product configuration.

Each half 270, 290 may include a top panel 330, a bottom panel 340, a first side panel 350, a second side panel 360, and a glue panel 370. Each of the panels 330-370 may be separated from the next by a panel fold line 380. One or more of the panel fold lines 380 may include a pre-break line 390. The pre-break lines 390 may be folded and unfolded before construction so as to reduce folding resistance. The panels 330-370 may have any size, shape, or configuration.

The top panel 330 may include a pair of top panel flaps 400. The top panel flaps 400 may have an angled edge 410 so as to separate the respective flaps 400 of the respective halves 270, 290. The bottom panel 340 may have a pair of bottom panel flaps 420. One of the bottom panel flaps 420 may have a cutout edge 430 for ease of opening. The first side panel 350 may have a pair of side panel flaps 440. In this example, the side panel flaps 440 may have only about half the height of the top panel flaps 400 and the bottom panel flaps 420. The flaps 400, 420, 440 may be attached to the panels 330-370 via a number of flap fold lines 460. The flaps 400, 420, 440 may have any size, shape, or configuration.

The first side panel 350 or other panel may include a handle cutout 470 formed approximately in the lengthwise middle thereof. The handle cutout 470 may be defined by a number of handle tear lines 480 therein so as to provide ease of penetration and access. The first side panel 350 and the handle cutout 470 also may be bisected by a bisect tear line 490. The bisect tear line 490 may extend in part into the top panel 330 and the bottom panel 340. The top panel 330 and the bottom panel 340 also may have a pair of side panel score lines that intersect the bisect tear line 490 in a largely arrow like or triangular configuration. The combination of the bisect tear line 490 and the side panel score lines 500 in this configuration may cooperate to strengthen the first side panel 350. The first side panel 350 and one or both of the side panel flaps 440 may include a “bird hole” cutout 510. The bird hole cutout 510 may be substantially circular and may be sized to accommodate a person's finger in handling maneuvering the independent cartons 280, 300. One of the top panel flaps 400 may have a partial bird hold cutout 520 to accommodate the bird hold cutout 510 when the cartons 280, 300 are assembled. Other components and other configurations may be used herein in any size, shape, or configuration.

The second side panel 360 or other panel may include a dispensing section 530 formed therein. The dispensing section 530 may extend along the intersection of the second side panel 360 and the bottom panel 340 and the glue panel 370 along one end thereof for somewhat more than about the width of a typical can 20. The dispensing section 530 then may narrow along the length of the second side panel 360 and may end about a pull tab 540. In this example, the dispensing section 530 may have a contoured shape 550. Other sizes, shapes, and configurations may be used herein. The dispensing section 530 may be formed by a number of dispensing section tear lines 560. The dispensing section tear lines 560 may be a number of perforated lines and the like. The dispensing section tear lines 560 may be surrounded at least in part by a number of dispensing section score lines 570. The dispensing section score lines 570 may be a half cut and the like into the material. The dispensing section score lines 570 serve to strength the second side panel 360 before the dispensing section 530 is removed. Other configurations and other components also may be used herein.

As is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the various panels 330-370 may be folded along the panel fold lines 380 to form a top wall 580, a bottom wall 590, a first sidewall 600, and a second sidewall 610 to erect the divisible carton package 260. The glue panel 370 may be attached via a conventional adhesive inside the top panel 330 to form the top wall 580. Other types of attachment means may be used herein. The flaps 400, 420, 440 then may be folded along the flap fold lines 460 to form a first end wall and a second end wall 630. The side panel flaps 440 may be folded first and then attached to the top panel flaps 400 and the bottom panel flaps 420 by a conventional adhesive and the like. The top panel flaps 400 may overlap the bottom panel flaps 420 by a certain extent. A barcode or other type of price indicia may be printed on the respective second side panels 360 such that the barcode is not visible until the individual cartons 280, 300 are separated so as to prevent the sale of an unseparated divisible carton package 260. Likewise, the dispensing sections 530 may face each other so as to limit the potential for ripping and the like during filling and transport. Alternatively, the dispensing sections 530 may be placed on other walls as may be suitable.

Each independent carton 280, 300 may be filled with the cans 20 or other objects 10 in a conventional manner. The independent cartons 280, 300 may be filled with the same or different cans 20 or other objects 10. The steps described herein may be performed in any order to erect and fill the divisible carton package 100 with the cans 20 or other objects 10.

The divisible carton package 260 then may be shipped to a retail outlet as described above. The purveyor or a merchandiser may separate the first individual carton 280 from the second individual carton 300. In some examples, the first individual carton 280 may be separated from the second individual carton 300 prior to being shipped to a retail outlet. The cartons 280, 300 then may be individually sold. As is shown in FIG. 7, the dispensing section 530 may be removed along the dispensing section tear lines 560. A first can 20 may be available through the dispensing section 530 with the remaining cans 20 available for maneuvering along the contoured shape 550. In some examples, the dispensing section 530 may facilitate orienting the cartons 280, 300 horizontally such that the cans 20 may easily roll along the contoured shape 550 upon removal of one or more of the cans 20. In some examples, the dispensing section 530 may facilitate orienting the cartons 280, 300 vertically such that the cartons 280, 300 may have a smaller footprint in a refrigerator and the like. In use, the consumer may manually maneuver the cans 20 along the contoured shape 550 and then scoop the can 20 out from the portion of the dispensing section 530 that extends along the top and bottom panels. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a blank 650 that may be used herein. In this example, the blank 650 may include a second dispensing section 660. The second dispensing section 660 may be positioned about the first side panel 350 and may extend into the top panel 330 and the bottom panel 340. In some examples, the second dispensing section 660 may extend into only one of the top panel 330 or the bottom panel 340. The second dispensing section 660 may extend along the length of the first side panel 350 by somewhat more than about the width of a typical can 20 and the like. The second dispensing section 660 may include a tear line along the intersection of the first side panel 350 and the side panel flap 440. One of the top panel flaps 440 also may include a “mouse house” cutout 670. The mouse house cutouts 670 may be sized for about a consumer's finger in a manner similar to the bird house cutout 510 described above. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a blank 690 as may be described herein. In this example, the second side panel 360 may include an expanded dispensing section 700. Specifically, the expanded dispensing section 700 may expand into the bottom panel 340 and/or the top panel 330. In some examples, the expanded dispensing section 700 may expand into only one of the bottom panel 340 or the top panel 330. The extension into the bottom panel 340 may be about the width of a typical can 20 or otherwise. The expanded dispensing section 700 may facilitate the removal of the cans 20. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of an independent carton 710 of a divisible carton package 720 as may be described herein. In this example, the independent carton 710 may have a substantially rectangular dispensing section 730. The dispensing section 730 may be positioned about the second sidewall 610 or elsewhere. The dispensing section 730 may be formed by a dispensing section tear line 560. The dispensing section tear line 560 may extend along the folds between the second sidewall 610 and the top wall 580, the bottom wall 590 and the first end wall 620. The dispensing section tear line 560 may extend in a perpendicular direction to the length of the second sidewall 610. A finger pull section 740 also may be used herein. The dispensing section 730 may be slightly longer than the diameter of a typical can 20 and the like although any size, shape, or configuration may be used herein. Other components and other configuration may be used herein.

The present application and the resultant patent thus provide a blank to create a divisible carton package. The blank may include a first independent carton half with a first dispensing section on a first half side panel, a second independent carton half with a second dispensing section on a second half side panel, and a tearable hinge positioned between the first independent carton half and the second independent carton half The first dispensing section and the second dispensing section may face each other when the blank is folded. The first dispensing section and the second dispensing section may include a length of at least one product length. The first dispensing section and the second dispensing section may include a dispensing section tear line and a dispensing section score line surrounding the dispensing section tear line in whole or in part. The blank also may include a bird hole and/or a mouse hole therein.

It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application and the resultant patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A divisible carton package, comprising: a first independent carton with a first dispensing section; a second independent carton with a second dispensing section; the first independent carton and the second independent carton each comprise six products in a one by six product configuration; the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section each comprise a length of at least one product width and a dispensing section tear line; and the first independent carton and the second independent carton connected by a tearable hinge such that the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section face each other. 2-5. (canceled)
 6. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section comprise a dispensing section score line surrounding the dispensing section tear line in whole or in part.
 7. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section extend along a sidewall.
 8. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section extend along a sidewall, a top wall, and/or a bottom wall.
 9. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first independent carton and the second independent carton each comprise a further dispensing section.
 10. The divisible carton package of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive positioned between the first independent carton and the second independent carton.
 11. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first independent carton and/or the second independent carton comprise a shelf assist removal hole therein.
 12. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the first independent carton and the second independent carton are formed from a single blank. 13-15. (canceled)
 16. A divisible carton package, comprising: a first independent rectangular carton with a first dispensing section on a first carton first wall; a second independent rectangular carton with a second dispensing section on a second carton first wall; the first independent rectangular carton and the second independent rectangular carton each comprise six products in a one by six product configuration; the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section each comprise a length of at least one product width and a dispensing section tear line; and the first independent rectangular carton and the second independent rectangular carton connected by a tearable hinge adjacent to the first carton first wall and the second carton first wall such that the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section face each other.
 17. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section comprise a dispensing section score line surrounding the dispensing section tear line in whole or in part.
 18. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section extend along a sidewall.
 19. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first dispensing section and the second dispensing section extend along a sidewall, a top wall, and/or a bottom wall.
 20. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first independent carton and the second independent carton each comprise a further dispensing section.
 21. The divisible carton package of claim 16, further comprising an adhesive positioned between the first independent carton and the second independent carton.
 22. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first independent carton and/or the second independent carton comprise a shelf assist removal hole therein.
 23. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the first independent carton and the second independent carton are formed from a single blank.
 24. The divisible carton package of claim 1, wherein the dispensing section tear line extends from a first side wall to a second side wall.
 25. The divisible carton package of claim 16, wherein the dispensing section tear line extends from a first side wall to a second side wall. 